An EP that is reminiscence of the sun’s life is how Asta describes her first, long-awaited EP ‘Shine’.
Asta has indeed come a long way from winning the Triple J Unearthed High competition in 2012.
Now 23, she has settled into an indie pop/ funk-acoustic style that fits her voice perfectly. Asta reflects on her career so far. “It was an interesting journey. I didn’t think I would win the [Triple J Unearthed High] comp, I didn’t really know who I was or what type of music I wanted to make.
“Between then and now I’ve done a lot of reflecting, working with people and figuring out what feels comfortable. I’m so excited that I collaborated with Yeo; we recorded the EP in three days, which was hectic but a fun time. I’m really glad I waited until now to release this EP.”
‘Shine’ has already had an amazing response. “It was awesome to see fans reacting,” Asta says.
“I was so happy because it’s a song that feels comfortable and it rings very true to me. It was great getting Snapchats of car sessions and singing along. That to me is really important; making music that people enjoy and can dance to as well as connect with is really my mission statement for this EP.
“The EP is really uplifting and is a good representation of me and Yeo who produced it; it really has his stamp on it. It has a funky and electronic feel. It just feels really good.”
Asta almost gushes when praising Triple J, as she explains her career was basically started by the national youth broadcaster. “There is no other way in Australia.
"It is my career, I don’t even know if I would have one if it wasn’t for Triple J. I always really enjoyed music and performance and when I won the comp it was like a sign that I should be doing this. Triple J is such a huge part of my career and many others. I’m so grateful for it.”
The chance to tour is something that Asta truly lives and breathes. “I feel like I’m not living unless I’m playing shows and touring. Performing live is the most important part to me. "It makes me so happy to see my fans enjoying themselves and singing along. Meeting people after the shows is also awesome, so it’s nice to get the chance to do that again.”
Asta will be setting off on her national tour with a wealth of experience already under her belt. She reflects on how playing Falls Festival and Splendour In The Grass will help her with her own tour. “With those festivals everyone is hyped, in a good mood and the stages are big, it was a great experience.
"It’ll really help me and I’m lucky to have those experience because the audiences aren’t your fans, they are people that have walked past and decided to stay. You have to win them over. It’s the absolute best though and you can hope that when they wake up sober the next day they might look you up.”
Along with those experiences, there are a few hidden nerves as the reality of having her own tour comes closer. “I feel like you hype yourself up, you tell yourself you can do anything and you get this confidence.
"Now everything is booked I’ve kinda gone 'shit, this is happening'. That’s where the nerves start, but once I get on stage and start playing it goes away. It’s just fun times!”
'Shine' EP is released 17 February.
– written by Ellen Cook
Asta Shows
Fri 17 Feb - Jack Rabbit Slims (Perth)Sat 18 Feb - Hyperfest (Midland)
Thu 23 Feb - ANU Bar (Canberra)
Fri 24 Feb - Oxford Art Factory (Sydney)
Sat 25 Feb - Small Ballroom (Newcastle)
Thu 2 Mar - Uni Bar (Wollongong)
Fri 3 Mar - Fat Controller (Adelaide)
Sat 4 Mar - The Toff (Melbourne)
Thu 9 Mar - Solbar (Sunshine Coast)
Fri 10 Mar - Beach Hotel (Byron Bay)
Sat 11 Mar - The Foundry (Brisbane)
Sun 12 Mar - Coolangatta Hotel (Gold Coast)
Fri 17 Mar - Republic Bar (Hobart)
Sat 18 Mar - Club 54 (Launceston)
